Where can I find etched kits online in OO Gauge?

[jamesinkl]

I've been a long time lurker in RMWeb, and have built quite a few plastic wagon kits and have had tremendous fun doing those, however I'm looking to expanding my modelling skill set by doing etched kits, and learning to solder. My issue with etched kits is trying to find retailers, manufacturers or shops that sell them with decent pictures to look at online, so I could decide which ones to get.

 

Any links towards where I could find etched kits online would be greatly appreciated. The same goes for any guides that can be found online for starting out on doing an etched kit, I've watched countless videos on YouTube as well.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

James

 

P.S. Does anyone know what happened to the OO gauge range of DJH Locomotives? I was looking to get a Britannia kit eventually to do a 70021- Morning Star and only after doing several etched wagon kits to build and to make many many mistakes on to learn from before tackling a locomotive kit.

[Bucoops]

Here are some, there are others 

 

http://londonroadmodels.com/#

 

https://www.ukmodelshops.co.uk/catalogue/judithedge.html

 

https://www.highlevelkits.co.uk/locomotives

 

http://www.pdkmodels.co.uk/

 

There is also Brassmasters but not for beginners.

[Camperdown]

Plenty of catalogues online.  It really depends what you want to build.  If you find an etched kit of a prototype you like, then there is probably someone on this site who can give an opinion on it.

 

Likewise, there are online guides (and Youtube videos).  Quick Google gives this link:

https://www.world-of-railways.co.uk/techniques/how-to-build-your-first-etched-brass-kit/

which seems fairly sensible.

 

The only thing I'd add is that not all solder is the same.  I bought some Chinese 60/40 solder off ebay not long ago, and it is terrible.  Doesn't flow at all.  Luckily, I found I still had some British made 60/40 that I'd bought from Brian Lewis at C&L some time ago.  That works much better.

[The Fatadder]

If you are looking to tackle an etched wagon or coach kit before moving to locos, for GWR prototypes the two kits Warren Shephard released in 4mm were very good

https://www.warrenshephard.com/wagon_kits.htm

 

Wizard Models have the Comet range of coaches and chassis kits, they also have a construction guide

 

[Steamport Southport]

One of the best online guides is the Connoisseur one. Aimed more at O Gauge modellers but most of it is still relevant. Unfortunately the 4mm kits are not currently available.

 

http://www.jimmcgeown.com/Questions.html

 

Click on the blue "Open Answer Window" links for more details.

 

 

 

 

Jason

[Jol Wilkinson]

Hello James,

 

I think that the Iain Riced books, published by Wild Swan  are, despite being written quite some time ago, remain the best source of published information on etched kit building, especially for locos.

 

When you have gained some experience with some van/wagon/carriage kits, then I would suggest you start with a "simple" loco kit such as an inside cylinder tank loco. Pacific tender locos with outside valve gear are are rather more more complex and time consuming, so take more time to complete, which can  be frustrating for an early project.

 

If you contact/email the well known kit producers they will offer advice as to which models suit the less experienced modeller best. If you can get to one of the exhibitions which the "specialist" trade attend (including the wheel suppliers, etc.) then you can discuss what would fit your needs best. For 4mm tat usually means one of S4Society or EMGS shows, Railex (Aylesbury), York MRS and several others. Unfortunately a lot of shows tend to attract RTR traders and customers and aren't  viable for the kit producers.

 

Jol

[Andy Hayter]

No one has mentioned Wizard models yet.  A large selection of coach and some wagon kits in brass.

https://www.wizardmodels.ltd/cat_carriagekits/

 

[MJI]

Comet at Wizard

 

LRM are good kits but not that easy to build as first kit.

 

Edge are good.

 

To be honest do a comet coach first. Take your time. Is doable.

 

Loco do a 4 coupled first.

 

I converted a Hornby branded LMS 2p to MR using comet chassis, gibson wheels, high level motor and box, LRM tender.

 

And a lot of care modifying the body.

 

Ask the makers.

[MJI]

On 26/01/2024 at 22:48, jamesinkl said:

I've been a long time lurker in RMWeb, and have built quite a few plastic wagon kits and have had tremendous fun doing those, however I'm looking to expanding my modelling skill set by doing etched kits, and learning to solder. My issue with etched kits is trying to find retailers, manufacturers or shops that sell them with decent pictures to look at online, so I could decide which ones to get.

 

Any links towards where I could find etched kits online would be greatly appreciated. The same goes for any guides that can be found online for starting out on doing an etched kit, I've watched countless videos on YouTube as well.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

James

 

P.S. Does anyone know what happened to the OO gauge range of DJH Locomotives? I was looking to get a Britannia kit eventually to do a 70021- Morning Star and only after doing several etched wagon kits to build and to make many many mistakes on to learn from before tackling a locomotive kit.

 

What is your modelling era and location?

 

[Jeff Smith]

On 26/01/2024 at 17:48, jamesinkl said:

P.S. Does anyone know what happened to the OO gauge range of DJH Locomotives? I was looking to get a Britannia kit eventually to do a 70021- Morning Star and only after doing several etched wagon kits to build and to make many many mistakes on to learn from before tackling a locomotive kit.

Building an etched chassis might be a way to start regardless of what body you put it under but preferably one designed for it.

[MJI]

70021 Morning Star was Western Region then Midland Region

 

Early on WR

Later MR

 

So if WR - Comet Sunshine carriage.

If MR - Late LMS PIII carriage, some got to blue grey!

Failing that a Mark 1, cannot go wrong with a TSO.

 

Common stock, not too many doors, will be around to mid 60s Collett, early 70s PIII, early 50s to 1990 Mark 1

[Jol Wilkinson]

4 hours ago, MJI said:

Comet at Wizard

 

LRM are good kits but not that easy to build as first kit.

 

Edge are good.

 

To be honest do a comet coach first. Take your time. Is doable.

 

Loco do a 4 coupled first.

 

I converted a Hornby branded LMS 2p to MR using comet chassis, gibson wheels, high level motor and box, LRM tender.

 

And a lot of care modifying the body.

 

Ask the makers.

 

It depends on which kit you choose. LRM has absorbed a number of kit ranges over time, which has ensured their continued availability. Hence the difference in design and sometimes, ease of construction. As you say Martin, ask the supplier.

[MJI]

16 minutes ago, Jol Wilkinson said:

 

It depends on which kit you choose. LRM has absorbed a number of kit ranges over time, which has ensured their continued availability. Hence the difference in design and sometimes, ease of construction. As you say Martin, ask the supplier.

 

The LMS 0-4-4T would have stumped me if i had no experience, but it is the first full kit steam loco i am getting near completion.

 

My first try loco needs motor and wheels, but body is airfix kit.

 

Rest are diesels.

 

Some of the LRM have resin boilers, this is easy.

 

I have done with etched 4 resides, 5 scratch aids, 6 kits on carriages.  Not counting Ratio, Kirk and similar.

 

I feel up to cross kitting, 2 of above are.

 

My next steam kit is older and i reckon more work.

 

Plannjng a 460 tender job next

[E100]

Not wanting to hijack but noticed the OP's post. What's happened to DJH's 4mm line. It's all disappeared from the website?

[Bucoops]

1 hour ago, E100 said:

Not wanting to hijack but noticed the OP's post. What's happened to DJH's 4mm line. It's all disappeared from the website?

 

The rumour, and I emphasise this as I've not seen it confirmed anywhere, so it is just a rumour as far as I am concerned is that they are withdrawing from the market. I hesitate to write this as I don't want to fuel... rumours.... but it's been asked a few times now.

[Dave John]

Depending on where and when you model Caley coaches have a good range, some more at NBRdevelopments.

 

http://www.caleycoaches.co.uk/index.php

 

https://www.nbr4mm.co.uk

 

 

[kasyjones]

Cannot go wrong with "How to" DVDs from Tony Wright.................volume 1 available here, volume 2 available via google   https://www.videoscene.co.uk/locomotive-kit-building-part-1-right-track-1  also check You tube for excellent builds with https://www.youtube.com/@cb01ttr

[Mallard60022]

E Bay quite often has older DJH Kits. They can be a bit clunky but often bargain Prices. many will have been in hidey holes for 40 years!

Don't see South East Finecast on here and they are top class, have a range of revised Etched Chassis and have a couple of quite straightforward  0.6.0s in the Range. Fairly sure he does wheels too.

The owner is nicely old fashioned and will sort  you out over the phone, where he will help you with any questions. Tell him you are a beginner. If you live anywhere near east Grinstead/Forest Row, that's where he used to be and I think still is?

He's the sort of chap that will quite happily supply spares if you melt something...if he has them of course!

Small tip. Practise on some scrap white metal soldering. Ask on here I think folk would helpfully send you old parts they have never used.

Same with Brass/Nickel Silver. Most folk have a pile of old off cuts or even Coach Parts in the 'Spares Box'! 

Get used to the Temperatures you need, Solders and Flux that mixes well and just seek advice.

A decent Digital Soldering Station  is a good investment along with a decent couple of Irons and a selection of Tips.

Finally, see where Mr Tony Wright is demoing at Exhibitions. (Donny, quite soon). He loves helping newbys get into Loco and Coach building. As someone has said, his DVDs are great fun.

All the best, happy to pass on my limited advice by PM.

Phil

[Steamport Southport]

Comet is a good shout. Try one of the vans as you don't have an interior to worry about and if you mess up a part then you can get replacements reasonably priced.

 

Just an example. They also do GWR/LNER/BR types.

 

https://www.wizardmodels.ltd/shop/carriage/m56k/

 

 

Jason

[30368]

On 26/01/2024 at 22:48, jamesinkl said:

Any links towards where I could find etched kits online would be greatly appreciated.

 

Can't see PDK mentioned? They have a great range of etched brass kits, some have resin boilers.

 

http://www.pdkmodels.co.uk/

 

I have built a number and they are well designed kits for all of the "Big Four" railway companies.

 

I would also recommend Judith Edge Kits, however these often need some scratchbuilding too (they are very reasonably priced and are very well designed.) so perhaps not for a first time builder.

I don't think Mike and Judith have a web site but email is:

 

edgmd@aol.com

 

Tel: 01226 722309

 

I have built a number of these too and the results are very, very good.

 

My (largely) PDK based H15 builds, paul at PDK built 30489 and the chassis under 30491 and the body of 30333. I built the remainder. All at rest on my 70D layout.

 

Judith Edge B9 4-6-0 built by me a few years ago. A very pleasing model.

 

Good luck with your plans and don't be put off, you can build a brass ket - start with an inside valvegear type (4-4-0 or 0-6-0 say) and then progress to something like the B9 before going for full outside valve gear.

 

Kind regards,

 

30368

 

PS - Very sorry if I have got this wrong, was it just rolling stock you were interested in????

 

Edited January 29 by 30368

[Reorte]

I've only very limited etched kit building experience, and although in that limited experience I've certainly messed up a few bits I've also ended up with results that I'm happy enough with. The best advice I can think of is if in doubt just ask, every time I've done so the people selling the kits have been both helpful and encouraging, and you'll get plenty of advice on here too. Pretty much everyone seems to want everyone to succeed, one of the great things about this hobby.

[Jeff Smith]

Roxey Mouldings, etched kits with a Southern flair.  Also Metropolitan rigid eight wheelers - I built one of these, the laminated panelling was tricky.......

 

The important thing about soldering is to have a variable temperature iron so you can experiment on scrap white metal to set it just below melting point, and also can get nice and hot for brass and n/silver soldering.  A mistake a lot of beginners in etched soldering make is not having a hot enough iron so you can get in quickly without risking nearby solder joints.

[Bucoops]

1 hour ago, Mallard60022 said:

E Bay quite often has older DJH Kits. They can be a bit clunky but often bargain Prices. many will have been in hidey holes for 40 years!

Don't see South East Finecast on here and they are top class, have a range of revised Etched Chassis and have a couple of quite straightforward  0.6.0s in the Range. Fairly sure he does wheels too.

The owner is nicely old fashioned and will sort  you out over the phone, where he will help you with any questions. Tell him you are a beginner. If you live anywhere near east Grinstead/Forest Row, that's where he used to be and I think still is?

He's the sort of chap that will quite happily supply spares if you melt something...if he has them of course!

Small tip. Practise on some scrap white metal soldering. Ask on here I think folk would helpfully send you old parts they have never used.

Same with Brass/Nickel Silver. Most folk have a pile of old off cuts or even Coach Parts in the 'Spares Box'! 

Get used to the Temperatures you need, Solders and Flux that mixes well and just seek advice.

A decent Digital Soldering Station  is a good investment along with a decent couple of Irons and a selection of Tips.

Finally, see where Mr Tony Wright is demoing at Exhibitions. (Donny, quite soon). He loves helping newbys get into Loco and Coach building. As someone has said, his DVDs are great fun.

All the best, happy to pass on my limited advice by PM.

Phil

 

I didn't mention SE Finecast as whilst the chassis are etched the bodies are whitemetal :)

 

54 minutes ago, 30368 said:

 

Can't see PDK mentioned? They have a great range of etched brass kits, some have resin boilers.

 

http://www.pdkmodels.co.uk/

 

I have built a number and they are well designed kits for all of the "Big Four" railway companies.

 

I would also recommend Judith Edge Kits, however these often need some scratchbuilding too (they are very reasonably priced and are very well designed.) so perhaps not for a first time builder.

I don't think Mike and Judith have a web site but email is:

 

edgmd@aol.com

 

Tel: 01226 722309

 

I have built a number of these too and the results are very, very good.

 

My (largely) PDK based H15 builds, paul at PDK built 30489 and the chassis under 30491 and the body of 30333. I built the remainder. All at rest on my 70D layout.

 

Judith Edge B9 4-6-0 built by me a few years ago. A very pleasing model.

 

Good luck with your plans and don't be put off, you can build a brass ket - start with an inside valvegear type (4-4-0 or 0-6-0 say) and then progress to something like the B9 before going for full outside valve gear.

 

Kind regards,

 

30368

 

PS - Very sorry if I have got this wrong, was it just rolling stock you were interested in????

 

 

I put PDK and Judith Edge in my first reply :)

[Bucoops]

5 hours ago, Bucoops said:

 

The rumour, and I emphasise this as I've not seen it confirmed anywhere, so it is just a rumour as far as I am concerned is that they are withdrawing from the market. I hesitate to write this as I don't want to fuel... rumours.... but it's been asked a few times now.

 

Interesting...

 

 

 

[Steamport Southport]

19 hours ago, Jol Wilkinson said:

 

It depends on which kit you choose. LRM has absorbed a number of kit ranges over time, which has ensured their continued availability. Hence the difference in design and sometimes, ease of construction. As you say Martin, ask the supplier.

 

I was a bit surprised when buying a "bargain" Maygib Jinty recently as it's the same as the LRM version (although that has a resin boiler)!

 

Another supplier of etched loco kits. Whilst I haven't built my Flatiron yet, looking at the etches it doesn't seem too challenging. Most modern etched kits are pretty well designed.

 

 

 

Jason